Chamber News

Commenting on the latest UK GDP and trade statistics, published today by the ONS, Suren Thiru, Head of Economics at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“Although there was an increase in GDP growth between December and January, the data for the longer three-month period recorded an economy that was continuing to slow under the weight of uncertainty over Brexit and weakening global trading conditions. The service sector remains the main driver of UK growth on this rolling three-month measure, with industrial production and construction contracting. Despite a boost in January, the manufacturing sector remains an area of concern with significant cost pressures and moderating demand in key markets weighing on activity in the sector.

“The lack of clarity on crucial aspects of how companies will operate after 29 March, as well as the possibility of a no-deal Brexit, has led many firms having to take drastic action to safeguard their operations, which has resulted in unnecessary costs, diversion of resources and loss of business, subduing overall economic activity.

“The widening in the UK’s trade deficit is concerning and largely reflects both a decline in car exports and a rise in imported vehicles. With businesses mostly in the dark over future trading arrangements and against a backdrop of slowing growth in key export markets, the UK’s net trade position is likely to remain squeezed for some time to come.

“Against this backdrop, it is critical that government and parliament pull out all the stops to avoid a no deal scenario on March 29 as it would significantly damage the UK economy’s ability to grow.”

Business leaders from Norfolk and Suffolk discovered the benefits of connecting regional economies on a recent trade mission to the South West.

A delegation of 20 visited the area to learn more about its nuclear power and food and drink sectors, and to seek mutual business opportunities.

After flying from Norwich Airport to Exeter Airport, the delegation visited Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in North Somerset – the largest construction site in Europe – and the family-owned Trewithen Dairy in Lostwithiel, Cornwall.

With many similarities between the regions, including the thriving food and drink sectors and the design of Hinkley C being replicated at Sizewell C in Suffolk in the near future, the visit was hailed a great success.

Richard Pace, managing director of Norwich Airport, said: “Once again the importance of connecting regional economies and the opportunities for partnership between our regions have been highlighted.

“There is enormous potential in terms or businesses working together, and the Norwich to Exeter route is proving to be an important part of this. It’s a 45-minute flight compared to a five or six hour rail or road journey, so there are huge savings in terms of time and efficiency in the working day.”

The visit was arranged by Norwich Airport and Exeter Airport through their respective Connects business ambassador networks, which aim to forge closer trading links between the regions. Both airports are part of Regional and City Airports, the airport management division of Rigby Group plc.

The trip builds on a trade mission from the South West to Norwich 18 months ago and was supported by the South West Business Council, New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Flybe.

Doug Field, Chair of New Anglia LEP, said: “There are many opportunities within the UK to strengthen our local economies and this visit has enabled us to explore how our regions can collaborate to accelerate growth.

“Regional airports are important hubs and we need to do more to maximise their benefits and improve that connectivity. Our growing relationship with the South West of England could open doors for new business and trading collaborations.

“We were particularly interested in the nuclear new build at Hinkley Point and applying best practice ensuring that any potential future development at Sizewell will generate maximum benefit for local businesses across the supply chain, create more contract opportunities and boost local jobs.”

Nova Fairbank, head of policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, said: “The sheer scale of the operation at Hinkley Point C is amazing – the vastness of the site and potential opportunities for businesses is enormous and really exciting to see.

“Watching Hinkley unfold is a fantastic learning opportunity for us. We’re looking at what was done well, what were the pitfalls, how to avoid them, how to make Sizewell C go faster and better in terms of delivery.”

John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “With two similar economies – both rural, both reliant on similar sectors – it’s been invaluable to share best practice.

“It’s also been fascinating to see how the Chambers of Commerce in Somerset have worked with the business community to get into the supply chain, where £1.6 billion worth of contracts have been delivered to local businesses through the building of Hinkley Point C.”

Sandy Ruddock, owner of Suffolk business Scarlett & Mustard and a Board member of the New Anglia LEP, said: “Both our areas are slightly out on a limb so it has been really good to hear how the South West is overcoming things like distribution and how smaller businesses are getting together. Rather than competition, there’s a real air of collaboration and I think we can learn from that and really move forward.”

The Norfolk and Suffolk delegation comprised the following:

Food and drink businesses: Scarlett & Mustard, East of England Coop, Hillfarm Oils, The Wildmeat Co, Food Enterprise Park and Bullards Spirits.

Energy sector representatives: EDF Nuclear new build, East of England Energy Group, Suffolk and Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, EnerMech and Suffolk County Council.

To register your business interest for the Sizewell C Nuclear project supply chain click here.

On Friday 8 February the world celebrated the 108th International Women’s Day and Norfolk came out in support for this globally recognised day. In partnership with NatWest, and with the support of Community Sports Foundation, Grant Thornton UK LLP and Vattenfall, we held our first International Women’s Day celebration event.  Taking place at The Nest, we welcomed over 100 business women and men, as well as young students from local schools to hear from some of Norfolk’s inspirational women. Speaking on the ground-breaking work taking place to drive change for women we welcomed Kelly Saddleton of Community Sports Foundation, Bethan Gill of Grant Thornton UK LLP, Dr Catrin Ellis Jones of Vattenfall and Fiona Ryder, Managing Director, TCD Media and President of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce.  Each guest speaker took to the stage to share their stories and then came together for some audience Q&A. The reinforced message throughout was all about encouraging women around us to ask and to be proud of their achievements. Female empowerment was definitely felt throughout the room when the session began coming to its close and many audience members stood up to share some of their achievements.  International Women’s Day is all about building a gender balanced world where everyone has a part to play. During her talk, Fiona highlighted the fact that ‘Balance for Better’ is not just a women’s issue, but a business issue, which spoke volumes to our audience today.  There’s still a long way to go, but by supporting women in our workplaces, by encouraging them to be the best they can, we can continue to create a gender balanced world. Norfolk Chambers of Commerce is an organisation made up of 13 people, 11 of those are women who all work exceptionally hard to support Norfolk’s business community. We are proud of the women in our workforce and we hope other businesses out there are celebrating this special day!

The British Chambers of Commerce today (07/03/19) launched the opening of the Chamber Business Awards at London Stock Exchange with 2018 Business of the Year winners Northcoders.  The prestigious competition is one of the showpiece events in the business calendar, recognising and promoting the best of British business through a series of regional heats, culminating in a Gala Awards Dinner, which will take place in London on 28 November 2019. Entries open today and will run until Friday 28 June. Next year’s winners of the Business of the Year award will have the same chance to open the market at London Stock Exchange as a prize, a rare opportunity for a private business.   In 2018 Norfolk triumphed on both a regional and national level. When the regional winners were announced we we’re so excited that five Norfolk businesses took six awards. This meant those businesses were entered into the national heats to compete against businesses across the country. On the big night, Larking Gowen LLP and Liftshare took home national runner up titles in their award categories, and Gnaw Chocolate won Small Business of the Year 2018! We want to continue this success in 2019 with the aim of getting more Norfolk businesses to enter, and ultimately to win those awards! We know there are great things happening across our county, now is the time to shout about it to the whole of the UK.  There are nine categories available to enter including two new ones:

• Export Business of the Year
• High Growth Business of the Year
• Customer Commitment Award
• Small Business of the Year
• E-Commerce Business of the Year – new and open to non-members
• Best Use of Technology
• Workplace Wellbeing Award
• Employer of the Year
• Family Business of the Year – new

These awards are only available for Chambers members to enter, with the exception of E-Commerce Business of the Year which is open to all businesses. Visit our awards page to find more information, winning tips, FAQ’s and of course… to enter!

The recent Mayor’s Business Awards now in its 30th year, held at Kings Lynn’s Corn Exchange, gathered together the top local businesses of the area. These awards are a clear celebration of the hard work the business community does, and how hard they are working to achieve great things over the last year, particularly in the challenging environment. With over 250 guests attending, it’s certainly an event to add to your calendar.

Michael Baldwin, our President of the West Norfolk Chambers Council attended the event in support of the local business community. Michael gave this comment, ‘It was great to see so many inspiring businesses being represented at the Mayors Business Awards on Friday evening and shows the wealth of innovation and technology we have here in West Norfolk.  Congratulations to all involved.’

Mayor Nick Daubney highlighted and praise the strength of the businesses and opportunities given, he said “So very much has changed in that time but what remains is the sheer level of ambition, drive, innovation and determination demonstrated by the businesses of West Norfolk.

“The environment you create, the jobs you create, the opportunities you give us all as a community, everyone here and everyone who enters these awards need to be very proud indeed.”

A very big well done to this year’s winners;

Mayor’s Business of the Year, sponsored by West Norfolk Council:  Merxin Ltd.

Small Business of the Year sponsored by Mapus-Smith & Lemmon: Captain Fawcett.

Business Person of the Year, sponsored by Brown & Co: Richard Finney, Captain Fawcett.

Business Innovation, supported by Robin Brundle: WeType Ltd.

Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, sponsored by Carter Accommodation: Alex Goodman, Dodd Group.

Customer Care sponsored by Lynn News: Home Instead Senior Care.

Independent Retailer sponsored by Agrimech: The Norfolk Delicatessen.

Leisure and Tourism, sponsored by Metcalfe, Copeman & Pettefar: Princess Theatre.

Employee of the Year, sponsored by Mars: Mauricia Tanguy, Carers Elite, Downham.

For more information on the awards visit the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Mayor’s page click here.

Have you considered China as your next export market?

Looking for advice on doing business with China?

China-Britain Business Council (CBBC) is hosting a 1-2-1 business clinic with an expert China advisor on the 13th March, 2019 in Norwich. Boyi Mu- China Market Business Advisor from CBBC will be available to discuss matters ranging from the market potential for your products or services, to how to establish a presence in the market, as well as the support and services available to help you deal with the unique challenges in China and develop your business in a cost effective way.

Please click here for more information and to register for the event.

There is an increasing demand for specialist skills.  New Anglia’s Digital Tech Sector Skills Plan estimates that 10,000 tech roles – both new and replacement of existing positions – will be needed in Norfolk and Suffolk by 2024.  Employers continue to report ICT/Digital skills shortages, which are adversely affecting their business.

As a result, Norfolk County Council wants to better understand what skills shortages there are in Norfolk in ICT and Digital and are asking for feedback from businesses via a short online survey. 

This survey will allow them to evidence anecdotal knowledge of employer need and solidify knowledge of employer-led demand for specific training. Without this evidence, it remains difficult for colleges and training providers to change or grow their provision, therefore this will help in delivering some targeted work with FE and HE providers and work collaboratively to support employer demand where possible.

Generating the evidence base around training/skills shortages is critical to future training provision. It will also ensure that the Skills team and stakeholders who are delivering the Sector Skills Plans are coming up with the right solutions to the most critical issues.

You have until midnight on Sunday 31 March to have your say in a short online survey.

Have your say now.

Going forward over the next few months, Norfolk County Council would also like to develop some focus groups to look at more specific ICT and digital skills issues.  If you would like to be part of these groups, please contact Nova Fairbank on email: [email protected].

HMRC are encouraging businesses trading outside the UK to apply for an Economic Operator Registration Identification (EORI) number. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, from 11pm on 29th March, UK businesses will need to apply the same processes as are currently used when exporting and importing outside the EU.

If you’re VAT registered this process is simple and can be done online, it should only take around 10 minutes. You’ll need your VAT registration number and name of your business in which you’re VAT registered.

If you’re not VAT registered you’ll need some more information which can be found here. 

To apply for your EORI number or find out more please click here.

Export Licences

The Department for International Trade has announced a new Open General Export License (OGEL) for the export of dual-use goods (with both civilian and military application) to the EU. These items could be used for both civil and military applications and could include: goods, software, technology, documents, diagrams, raw materials such as chemicals, components like bearings and complete systems such as lasers. You can find further information on these items here.

The licence will come into effect as from 11pm on 29th March, if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.

You can find out more here.

Transitional Simplified Procedures

HMRC has written to 145,000 businesses who are trading with the EU regarding the transitional simplified procedures (TSP) for customs, if we leave the EU without a deal.

The procedures should help to avoid prolonged checks at the border and would also mean that goods can be transported from the EU to the UK without having to make a full customs declaration at the border, also delaying the payment for import duties.

Whilst we are not sure how long these changes will last; the government have said they will provide 12 months’ notice if any changes need to be made.

Registrations for TSP are now open, and businesses can register if they have an EORI number, please click here for more information.

If you have a specific query or need more advice on Brexit, please contact: [email protected] or call 01603 625977.

More Norfolk businesses will be able to benefit from ultrafast broadband after Norfolk County Council secured £8m from the UK Government Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Department’s Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) fund.

The £8m funding is part of an £11m programme to upgrade more than 370 of Norfolk’s public sector buildings to the latest ultrafast connection speeds. It will enable 230 schools, 108 Norfolk County Council Corporate buildings (including 38 libraries) and 34 fire stations to be upgraded to gigabit (1,000 mbps) fibre internet connections within two years.

As a result of the scheme, thousands of Norfolk businesses will be able to benefit from lower fibre connection costs by using private funding to access the upgraded fibre network. They can also apply to a voucher scheme that will provide up to £2,500 per business to fund their connection and pay the first-year running costs.

Commenting on the funding, Chris Sargisson, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“Norfolk Chambers actively supported the County Council’s ambitions to bring more funding for better broadband connections for our region, so we are delighted that their funding bid was successful. 

Ultimately, we want every business in Norfolk to be able to access ultrafast broadband to ensure that our business communities can compete with the rest of the UK and beyond.  This funding another step in the right direction.”

Cllr. Tom FitzPatrick, Chairman of Norfolk County Council’s Digital Innovation & Efficiency Committee, said:

“This funding will deliver significant digital infrastructure across the county, in addition to what the County Council has already delivered. Ensuring that Norfolk has the digital connectivity it needs to build a thriving economy is a priority for us.

“I would like to thank officers at the County Council for their hard work in ensuring that we were awarded this funding and the businesses who supported this bid. I am pleased this scheme will benefit them as well as provide vastly improved services.”

On Wednesday 27 February we booked out the top floor of Bill’s Norwich for a sold out networking breakfast. With over 85 businesses joining us in the newly refurbished restaurant, and different menu options to awaken the taste buds.  The morning started with coffee of course, followed by some networking time between attendees. On arrival, we gave each delegate a sticker with a name on. This name then paired up with another in the room, for example if you had salt, you would have to find pepper. The activity got delegates mixed around and meeting businesses they may not have met before.  It was then time to sit down for breakfast, with Full English, vegetarian, vegan and the healthy option of avocado on toast dishes flowing out of the kitchen. Conversations carried on over breakfast filling Bill’s with a great atmosphere.  When everyone was full we welcomed our guest speaker James Groves of Indigo Swan. James joined us to give his top five tips to embed a positive culture in your workplace. James’ top tips were: 1. Remember that culture is not just felt internally, but externally as well 2. Live your values – it’s not just words 3. Walk the walk, don’t just talk the talk 4. Show you care about your people personally 5. Enjoy what you do! After answering some questions from the audience with fellow swans Tom, Alex and Aimee, James left the audience with a final question – ‘when is the best time to plant a tree?’. The answer; 20 years ago. Given that none of us have a time machine handy, James emphasised how you can’t go back, but you can start now.  Our next Norwich event is our Wine Tasting at HarperWells! Make sure you join us to socialise among the business community over wine tasting and cheese boards. Click here for more details.

Commenting ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting and the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on the Brexit negotiations, Dr Adam Marshall, Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:

“At this pivotal moment, the government must take decisive steps to avoid the damage that a messy and disorderly exit would cause to business and the economy in just a month’s time. 

“It is time to be honest. Government and its agencies are not prepared for a ‘no deal’ exit on 29th March. Neither are many businesses. 

“The overriding priority must be to assure businesses, employees, investors and communities that an unwanted ‘no deal’ scenario will not be allowed to happen by default on March 29th.”

Commenting on the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on the next steps in the Brexit process, Nova Fairbank, Head of Policy for Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said:

“While this is a giant political leap for the Prime Minister, this is only a small step towards the clarity and precision that businesses need to chart their future direction.

“The overriding priority is still to assure businesses and communities that an unwanted ‘no deal’ scenario will not happen by default on March 29th.

“Businesses still need to ensure they are preparing for all possible scenarios and government and its agencies must provide clear, precise and accurate information for all eventualities.”